[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 18 (Tuesday, February 2, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN MEMORY OF ROBERT E. HAGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 2, 1999

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Robert Hagan, an 
exceptional father, a dedicated public servant, and a brilliant 
humorist.
  Mr. Hagan grew up in Youngstown, OH, one of six children in his 
family. He served as a Marine Corps flight instructor during World War 
II. Following the war he worked for his father's steel-erecting 
business, where he patented a new steel-scaffolding process.
  Always aspiring for something new and challenging, Mr. Hagan hosted 
his own TV variety show in Youngstown. He also appeared occasionally on 
the Mike Douglas syndicated television show when it was broadcast from 
Cleveland.
  In 1956, Mr. Hagan embarked on his political career by running for 
Trumball County commissioner. He lost that election, but ran again in 
1962 and won. He served eight years at that position, resigning in 1969 
in protest of a local judge's disregard for the commissioners. As a 
politician Mr. Hagan was a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and an 
ardent supporter of civil rights and labor unions.
  In 1970, while making a bid for the presidency, George McGovern hired 
Mr. Hagan as a special assistant in charge of one-liners. This offered 
Mr. Hagan the chance to merge two things he loved and understood best, 
politics and humor. He explained why this combination worked so well 
when he said, ``the very concept of humor, to me, is a very important 
one because it communicates ideas in a most pleasant way.''
  Mr. Hagan was elected to the Ohio State House in 1981, where he 
served with his son Robert Hagan. After he failed in his bid to win re-
election in 1988. Mr. Hagan continued to perform stand-up comedy and 
contribute editorials and guest columns to area newspapers.
  I will always be grateful for the opportunity to have known Robert 
Hagan. He set an example of how to do a job well, and have fun at it 
too. I will miss him.
  Mr. Hagan was the father of 14 children. His commitment to them, as 
well as his contributions to politics and humor, will be greatly 
missed.

                          ____________________